Arsenal dominated but managed only a solitary goal against Doncaster in front of a sparsely populated Emirates.

The lowest ever attendance for a Gunners game at this home saw Theo Walcott produce the winner, deftly finishing from a ball over the top by Alexis Sanchez.

Jack Wilshere impressed for his manager as the talented Englishman tries to claw his way back into favour with Arsene Wenger.

The manager's old sparring partner Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands, supporting his son and Doncaster manager Darren, but the golden touch didn't deliver a miracle.

Here are five talking points from John Cross.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

(Image: AFP)

(Image: AFP)

(Image: Reuters)

1. The biggest rivalry in football has become an unlikely friendship

Arsene Wenger used to hate Sir Alex Ferguson so much that he referred to him as “that man” as he could not even bear to say his name.

Add into the mix, Pizzagate, the Battle of Old Trafford and a bitter five-year feud during which time they barely spoke and only relations only thawed in 2008.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Since then, they have become the most unlikely friends to the point of Fergie receiving VIP treatment at the Emirates as he came to watch his son Darren’s team, Wenger welcomed him warmly and saw him before the game.

How things change.

2. Wilshere in the mood to make his mark

With his newly-shaved haircut, Wilshere got his first start at the Emirates in 19 months.

He is clearly determined to prove that he can still do a job for Arsenal, has a future at the club and there were some big hints that he was on his way back.

Jack Wilshere skips around Jordan Houghton (Image: AFP)

Wilshere’s sublime early chipped pass set up Olivier Giroud and his bicycle kick crashed against the bar.

Maybe there’s hope for him yet.

3. Alexis Sanchez is on his way back

The reason he played against Doncaster and Cologne and not Chelsea was that he has simply not been fully match fit.

But with game time and opportunities in the cups, Sanchez is looking sharper and in the mood again.

(Image: REUTERS)

Sanchez is clearly coming back to somewhere near his best and a run-out against Doncaster should be seen as a valuable work out and exercise to surely get him ready to start against Wes Brom next week.

4. Reiss Nelson is the bright new hope

The 17-year-old Londoner created a huge buzz as he started against Doncaster. There is nothing quite like a home grown youngster to get fans excited.

Nelson really caught the eye in pre-season, has got pace and a trick. He’s been outstanding in the under-23s and won Player of the Month in Premier League II.

Reiss Nelson showed he's a future star (Image: AFP)

He started as right wing back, he might be more of a winger and will probably develop into a more central player.

But he certainly looks a real talent - as he proved with some eye catching moments against Doncaster.

5. Attendance was down at the Emirates

The attendance was described as 44,064 “tickets issued” which is more than 15,000 below capacity at the Emirates.

Despite tickets being reduced, it was far from being a sell-out.

(Image: PA)

It’s always strange at the Emirates how you can see big gaps but it’s always a sell-out.

This was different for once as maybe the number of games, the cost and some teams not taking the Carabao Cup seriously enough contributed to a lower than usual gate.